Casting News
Oct 14, 2009
The King of Pop is surely spinning in his grave
Michael Jackson’s Children Will Reportedly Appear In The Jackson Family Reality Series

US Weekly magazine is reporting today that sources close to the new A&E reality TV series The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty reveal that the series WILL feature the late Michael Jackson‘s childrenPrince Michael, Paris Michael and Prince Michael, II aka Blanket — on the TV show. It seems quite clear that this decision to put the children on television is in direct opposition to the wishes of MJ himself … it was widely known that he was fiercely protective of his children and would NEVER have wanted them exploited on TV. But, according to this new report, the kids will be featured on the Jackson family reality series nonetheless:

The Jacksons are at odds over the inclusion of Michael Jackson’s three children in an upcoming A&E reality show about the famous family, Us Weekly reports in its latest issue (on newsstands now). A source tells Us Weekly the buzzed-about program will include Michael’s kids — Prince, 12, Paris, 11, and Blanket, 7 — though not everyone’s happy about it. Eldest sister Rebbie, 59, who has refused to be in the series (called The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty, tentatively set to air in December), “feels Michael would spin in his grave if he knew his kids would be on this show.” While Janet, 43, is on board, mom Katherine “is just going along with things,” the source continues. Still, one of the creators of the program — which will be either five one-hour episodes or 10 half-hour episodes — says the family shines on the series. “We have 23 cast members with the last name Jackson,” executive producer Jodi Gomes tells Us Weekly. “They’ve done a great job opening up about losing a brother.” (A Jackson family rep couldn’t be reached.)

The only part of this story that makes me believe it is not true is the bit about Janet Jackson being “on board” with featuring the children on the TV show. I refuse to believe that she would agree with the decision to exploit the children in this way. But, truth be told, I can absolutely believe that the rest of the family (Rebbie Jackson excluded) are more than happy to exploit the children in this way … if those kids are on the show, the ratings will be much higher — guaranteed. I, personally, am seriously disgusted by more decisions made by the Jackson family … but this takes the cake. If this report turns out to be true and they do decide to use these children to promote their reality TV series then I suggest they change the titled of the show from The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty to The Jacksons: A Nasty Family. They get a HUGE poop sandwich from me!! :(

UPDATE: TMZ is reporting that Katherine Jackson, the guardian of MJ‘s children, insists that the kids will NOT be featured in The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty:

Katherine tells TMZ Michael would never want his kids to appear on TV, much less on a reality show. She says her son went to great lengths to protect the kids from TV cameras, often shielding them with masks. There are reports A&E’s Jackson reality show will include MJ’s 3 kids. Katherine, who is the legal guardian of the kids and ultimately makes the decision, tells us it will NOT happen.

I really hope this is true … I would never put anything past the Jacksons. I’ll believe it when I DON’T see them on the show.

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

Oct 9, 2009
Has signed on to appear in 'How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying'
Daniel Radcliffe Will Return To The Broadway Stage

Great news for fans of Daniel Radcliffe … the young British actor who took both the West End stage and the Broadway stage by storm with his powerful performance in Equus has just signed on for a new Broadway production. This time, DanRad will be performing in musical theater in a revival of the classic show How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Here is a great look back at Dan‘s performance in Equus and some deets about his new B’way gig:

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is heading to Broadway for his first musical. The 20-year-old actor has been announced as the lead for How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Radcliffe is already used to the pressures of nightly Broadway and West End appearances, having wowed critics in Equus last year. He will play the plum part of J. Pierrepont Finch, a window cleaner who rises to the top of a huge company while, of course, wooing and winning a girl along the way. Robert Morse created the role on Broadway and in the 1967 screen adaptation. The original production, running for a healthy 1,417 performances, won the top Tony for best musical in 1962 as well as six more, including awards for lead Morse and supporting player Charles Nelson Reilly. And the 1995 saw Matthew Broderick win the lead actor Tony. Radcliffe is currently filming the final instalments of the Harry Potter movies, Deathly Hallows, which will be released in two parts.

This is FANTASTIC news!! I suspect that this is but the beginning of a long and storied carrer on the stage. I was lucky enough to see Radcliffe in Equus and was stunned by his performance. I have no doubt that he will be just as superb in this new role in How to Succeed. I have been nothing but impressed with every acting performance I’ve seen from the lad and I have been wondering what his future career in acting holds for him. I suspect he will make a great name for himself on the musical theater stage. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he gave up films altogether and stuck with plays and musicals. Time will tell what other projects DanRad will take on but I, for one, am very excited about the prospect of seeing Daniel Radcliffe on the Broadway stage again.

[Source]

Oct 4, 2009
In the trenches
First Look: Jessica Biel In ‘The A-Team’

Earlier this week we got our first look at the newly reconstructed version of The A-Team featuring Bradley Cooper (Lt. Templeton Faceman Peck), Liam Neeson (Col. John Hannibal Smith), Sharlto Copley (Capt. Howling Mad Murdock) and Quinton Rampage Jackson (Sgt. Bosco B.A. Baracus) on set in Vancouver, BC filming their new remake also titled The A-Team. Thus far we have yet to see Jessica Biel, cast as the female lead, on set or in costume … until now. Here is our first look at Jessica in The A-Team:

Earlier this week we saw the first pictures of the male cast members in character for their roles in the new A-Team film, and now it’s the turn of female lead Jessica Biel. The 27-year-old actress was pictured filming in an airport for the remake, which is being shot in Canada. Jessica plays an army general, and an ex-lover of Faceman (actor Bradley Cooper), who is pursuing the vigilante group. In the scene the actress cuts a an authoritative figure in a blue leather trenchcoat with a thigh-length grey skirt and a killer pair of heels – the kind of outfit that you might associate with a femme fatale in a spy film. Jessica was the last member of the cast to be confirmed for the new film and her role is an update of the part played by Melinda Culea in the original TV series.

At last … we get to see what everyone will look like in the film. I’m not sure what I was expecting of Jessica‘s character but she looks pretty nondescript to me. I seem to recall that the female lead in the 80′s TV series The A-Team wore frilly, multicolored outfits that suited the times … I dunno that Jessica will be able to do the same in this movie version. Again, not that I watched the TV much when it aired in the 80′s but I think there was a certain cheese factor that made the show so fun … if this remake has too much of a serious tone I don’t know that it will score with fans of the original. I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Are any of y’all impressed with how Jessica looks in this film?

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

Oct 2, 2009
The green ones make you 'Hornet'
First Look: Seth Rogen In/As ‘The Green Hornet’

Early last month we saw the first photos from the filming of the latest superhero movie The Green Hornet but back then we didn’t really see anything all that exciting. Stars Seth Rogen (Britt Reid/The Green Hornet) and Cameron Diaz (Lenore Casey Case) were filming scenes in their mild-mannered secret identities … but today we get to see Rogen in costume as The Green Hornet along with his trusty sidekick Kato played by Jay Chou … behold:

He is used to playing the funny fat man, but now Seth Rogen has turned into the super hero. The Knocked Up actor has trimmed down his waistline to shoot the lead role in The Green Hornet. Seth first began losing weight last year for the role, but rewrites, director and casting changes have all had the project on ice until now. The actor, who also wrote the screenplay, was filming in a rock quarry in Los Angeles with Jay Chou, who plays his trusty sidekick Kato. The Green Hornet is a big screen version of the 1960s TV show, which starred Bruce Lee as Kato, and also stars Cameron Diaz as a reporter and Britt Reid’s (aka The Green Hornet) love interest. But despite looking much slimmer, trimmer and healthier for the role, Rigen revealed he felt like a ‘sell out’ for losing the weight. ‘I’ve been eating better and training – and hating myself for it. I feel like a sell out, I feel lame, I feel like a guy I would make fun of,’ he said. He said he lost weight by eating well and exercising with a personal trainer. ‘I go there real early in the morning,’ he added. ‘He tells me what to do, and I go home and go to sleep, and it’s like it never even happened.’ He needs to be fit for the role as in an interview last April, he claimed he would be doing all his own stunts. The Green Hornet, who happens to be the Lone Ranger’s grand-nephew, is a newspaper publisher by day who fights crime by night accompanied by Kato. He drives a car with advanced technology called Black Beauty, and has brilliant hand-to-hand combat skills. In the TV series he was armed with a sonic blast weapon called the Hornet’s Sting, and in many versions he carries a gun that sprays knock-out gas. The film, directed by Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’s Michel Gondry, takes ideas from both the original radio programme in the 1930s, the 60s TV show and comic book series.

Yeah dude … I’m not sure I see Seth Rogen as a superhero but I’m totally willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. To be honest, I had no idea that The Green Hornet is supposed to be a descendant of the Lone Ranger. I guess I never really thought about the Lone Ranger having a family (considering he was “alone” all the time, save for his trusty sidekick Tonto) but I guess even heroes have families. Again … I’m totally willing to give this movie a shot when it finally gets released. I still don’t know that Rogen can pull off superheroness … what do y’all think? Can he handle it?

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

Sep 25, 2009
Bradley Cooper, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson report for duty
Filming Continues On The Set Of ‘The A-Team’

Last weekend we got our first look at the set of the upcoming movie version of the 80′s action TV series The A-Team and today we get to see a few more pics from the set … including a photo of Bradley Cooper who has been cast to play prettyboy Lt. Templeton Faceman Peck and a promo pic of Quinton Rampage Jackson, who has been cast as the new Sgt. Bosco ‘B.A.’ Baracus … behold:

A helicopter and the infamous black van feature in some of the first pics from the new A-Team film. The remake, which is being filmed in Canada, has just started filming after the final cast members were added last week. Jessica Biel, 27, is to be the leading lady in the feature, which has been adapted from the hit 80s TV series. She is joined by Liam Neeson, 57, who plays Hannibal, Bradley Cooper, 34 (Face), Sharlto Copley, 35 (Murdoch), Patrick Wilson, 36 (A CIA operative), and UFC fighter Quinton Jackson, 31 (B.A. Baracus). In the pictures, taken on the film’s Canadian set, we see the classic GMC van which was used in the 1980s programme. It was the A-Team’s main mode of transport, which they often transformed into an armoured vehicle using makeshift tools and materials which they always conveniently came across in times of need. In another picture Quinton Jackson can be seen inside a helicopter, which appears to be some kind of emergency vehicle. Fans of the original show are likely to be slightly miffed at seeing his character, B.A., flying – as one of the show’s running jokes was that he had a fear of flying. Other members of the team would come up with inventive ways to knock him out (such as a carton of milk laced with drugs), in order to get him onto a plane, usually preceeded by his catchphrase ‘I ain’t gettin’ on no plane, fool’.

Man … there really is no replacement for Mr. T but I’m sure this Rampage fellow will do a fine job. I like that they updated B.A. Baracus‘s jewelry … tho, I do kinda miss all those gold chains. As I’ve mentioned before, all these movie remakes are gettin’ kinda old but since I didn’t really watch the show when it aired in the 80′s, I don’t think I’d mind seeing it adapted for the big screen in modern times. Bradley Cooper will make a great Faceman in the flick. Looks fun!

[Photo credit: Big! Pictures; Source]

"Yes on Neve, guys!"
Neve Campbell Signs On To Appear In ‘Scream 4’

Earlier this year we learned that plans were in the works to produce the much anticipated, much-delayed sequel film Scream 4 and in July we learned that husband and wife couple (who met on the set of the Scream movie franchise) Courteney Cox and David Arquette officially signed on to reprise their roles (as Gale Weathers and Dewey Riley) in Scream 4. At the time, Scream star Neve Campbell (Sydney Prescott) proclaimed that she would NOT reprise her role … but plans for the sequel moved ahead anyways. Today we learn the great news that Neve has FINALLY agreed to sign on for Scream 4!! Writer/director Kevin Williamson broke the news on his official Twitter profile and then an article from Variety expounded on the news. Here is the full text of Williamson‘s Twitter announcement and excerpts from the Variety article:

From Twitter: Yes on Neve guys! Read Variety! Whew! All I can say is “Whew”

From Variety: Promising that “I’m going back to doing what I do best,” Bob Weinstein has unveiled several films to be released by Dimension over the next year, many in 3-D. “Scream IV” will start production in April or May as the first of a new trilogy and the company is talking to Wes Craven to direct, Weinstein reports. Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette will star … The first three “Scream” pictures registered grosses of roughly $100 million a piece in the U.S.

This is great news. Unlike other sequel films, I feel that all of the Scream sequels are amazingly fun films each in their own right. Scream 2 and 3 were both really fun movies … Parker Posey gives one of her funnest performances EVER in Scream 3. I have no doubt that Scream 4 will be just as good. I just knew Neve would come back for the new film … they were gonna make it with or without her so why not come back, make everyone happy and make a lot of money. The Scream franchise is one of my faves ever and now we have another trilogy to look forward to. Woot!! I can’t wait to get back to Woodsboro, CA again!

[Source, Source]

Sep 24, 2009
Arrested development
Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz Film Scenes For ‘Knight And Day’

Earlier this week we saw photos of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes jogging the streets of Boston, MA together because the couple have temporarily relocated there so that Tom could begin work on his new film Knight and Day. Today we get to see the first photos of Tom filming scenes for the movie with his co-star Cameron Diaz. I understand that Knight and Day tells the tale of a woman (Diaz) unaware that when she meets a man (Cruise) on a blind date that he is a federal agent involved in a secret operation to protect what could be an infinite source of energy … or some shizz like that. Um, Cam … look at what your blind date is wearing. A ball cap, sunglasses and nondescript clothing … HELLO! An ensemble like that just screams “federal agent involved in a secret operation to protect what could be an infinite source of energy”:

Um … yeah, I dunno who they are trying to fool by passing off this movie description as an accurate representation of the film cuz … by the looks of these photos, it seems to me that Tom and Cameron are filming a movie about how Tom and Katie Holmes met, “fell in love” and got married. Meh. If Knight and Day really turns out to be about a federal agent … blah blah blah … then I’ll surely take a pass. BUT, if Cruise ever really wanted to make a film portraying the real way he managed to brainwash finagle Katie into marrying him then I’d be the first person in line to see it.

[Photo credit: Splash News]

Hey, Miss DJ
Samantha Ronson To Guest Star On ‘90210’

Superstar DJ Samantha Ronson is bringing a bit of her starpower to The CW TV series 90210 as she will be appearing on an upcoming episode of the show where she will play herself in a bit of a mentor role for one of the 90210 kids. Here is a promo pic from Sam‘s upcoming ep along with some deets of her appearance on the show:

Why hire an actress to play the coolest deejay in town when you can get the real thing? The producers of 90210 have confirmed exclusively to PEOPLE that Samantha Ronson, the celebrity deejay and on-and-off again girlfriend of Lindsay Lohan, has filmed an episode of the CW show. Ronson’s scenes take place in a club where hip-hop star Pharrell and his group N.E.R.D. also perform. Her role also has her advising the character, Navid, played by Michael Steger, on matters of the heart. There is no word yet on whether or not Ronson will be return to the famous zip code for another stint. Her episode will air the CW on Nov. 3.

Awwww, I love this! It makes sense that Samantha would want to make a guest appearance on a dramatic TV series … after all, she’s already got MUCH experience with the dramatic in her everyday life. No word on if Sam‘s ex-girlfriend and sometimes actress Lindsay Lohan will be paying a visit to the famous zip code but something tells me that producers aren’t even interested. My guess is that they wouldn’t want anyone bringing more drama on set that would overshadow the drama on the show.

[Source]

Sep 22, 2009
Will join Bobby Brown, Shar Jackson and others on the show
Kevin Federline Reportedly Signs On To Appear On ‘Celebrity Fit Club’

The show where Z-listers go to lose weight before they finally disappear into obscurity has managed to finagle Kevin K-Fat Federline into appearing on their show … at least, according to TMZ. The Federline was seen walking waddling onto the VH1 set of the show which pretty much seals the deal that he will be appearing on the show. Wow … just when you thought things couldn’t get any more pathetic for the sad sap he goes and hits all all-time new low:

Looks like Kevin Federline is tired of all the K-Overfed jokes — because TMZ has learned he officially signed on to do the next season of “Celebrity Fit Club.” Federleezy has packed on the pounds of late … but he’s on a mission to reduce the rolls. Earlier today, a TMZ employee watched Britney’s ex saunter onto the Simi Valley, CA set of the VH1 weight-loss reality show. As TMZ first reported, Bobby Brown, Nicole Eggert and Kevin’s other baby-mama Shar Jackson will also join him in trimming the fat.

There was much speculation that K-Fat was packing on the pounds so that he could score his own reality TV series to chronicle his weight loss but I guess he’s just not a big enough celeb (as it were) to warrant his own show. Now he’ll be competing against nobodies more famous than he is (ie. Bobby Brown, Nicole Eggert) and his very own first babymama Shar Jackson to shed away all that extra weight. This is just … sad.

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin; Source]

The price is right
Heather Locklear Finally Signs On To Reprise Her Role On ‘Melrose Place’

Great news for fans of the original version of Melrose Place and those new fans of the redux version … after initially turning down an offer to reprise her role as superbitch extraordinaire Amanda Woodward, Heather Locklear has finally agreed to appear on MP in the character that redefined the word “bitch” in the 1990s. Here is the full text of the just released press release announcement:

Heather Locklear will reprise her role as scheming vixen Amanda Woodward of “Melrose Place,” which airs Tuesdays (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on The CW. Locklear will make her debut appearance on the show Tuesday, November 17. “We’re ecstatic to have the chance to bring Amanda Woodward back to ‘Melrose Place,’” said executive producers Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer. “Heather’s involvement in the show is something we’ve been working on for some time as we couldn’t imagine creating and producing this show without the iconic character’s inclusion.” Locklear joined the popular 1990s series of “Melrose Place” at the end of season one and stayed on throughout the series’ successful seven-year run. She joins original castmates Laura Leighton, Thomas Calabro, Josie Bisset and Daphne Zuniga in the updated version for The CW.

As you may recall, Locklear turned down an offer to reprise her role because she felt it “didn’t make sense” for her to return to the show … something must’ve changed between then and now because it clearly makes sense for her to come back. My guess is that the price was right and Locklear finally decided she wasn’t getting any younger ;) I love the mixture of old characters and new on Melrose Place … this is great news! I already love the show … having Amanda Woodward back in the mix will make it all the better. I hope she will still wear those micro-miniskirts that she made famous in the 90′s … perhaps she can revive that fashion trend again.

[Source]